I'd like to start a monthly Zoom hour, starting November. A free for all miniature painting hour where we come together to all chat about a topic that arises from this forum, eg..... well you tell me, what's on your mind? It could be something practical eg paper preparation, something art historical eg studying a particular piece, something philosophical eg a question of style, or... and I really want to do this... chat about My Name is Red, Orhan Pamuk, like a book club*... or physical or theoretical or emotional eg what does it mean to be an artist.. whatever!
I think it makes sense to limit the hour to 1 topic only rather than 2 as stuff will come up and we can address that during the session. It could be structured like a seminar or more informal and you just bring stuff to the table.
*having never ever been to an actual book club, I am open to suggestions. I imagine a really nice room lined with books floor to ceiling, Borgesian library dream heaven, and a quiet, rarefied atmosphere where I would feel ever so slightly out of place having yes read the book but being an introvert not quite ready to voice my opinions in the company of intellectual titans** so deciding instead to sit next to the cookies. Ooooh... cookies. Can't provide that online but my ideal book club/salon (definitely more comfortable with salon = artists!) would also have tea (provided by me, I have an amazing collection) and cake (provided by you, the other people). Artists are always more comfortable around food (speak for myself) and in post Covid real life I'd like to have miniature painting food themed dinners too. Brains need food.
**this online book club of mine will not accept snobbery of any sort btw. A person's a person, no matter how small (Dr Seuss) and no question is stupid at all. So roll up, I'll provide the professional Zoom account, you come armed having read the book/chapter and we'll talk, informally and peacefully and happily about miniature painting as described by Orhan Pamuk in My Name is Red to start and then... I welcome your thoughts! And your schedules - what kind of days/times suit you?
Hello! I love the this idea! The chatting and the "My Name is Red" book club! I have only read the first few chapters but already am intrigued and would love to discuss!!!! I love your description of the dream book club and wish I could provide those cookies!!!!! I am in New York and so for me any time after GMT 13:00 would be perfect but I know you have people from all over and so realise it may not be possible to accommodate my time frame!!! My best wishes and thanks, Alison
Thanks Alison and good to know your timings! I will maybe not start with My Name is Red as not everyone has read the whole thing but instead start with a topic of interest. Or maybe figure out how to do one of those polls...
Yesssss it's happening!!! Naturally I love this and would be the first to sign up for a seat, a cake and a smoky pu-erh! I send my hearty enthusiasm! I could make it work from 14:00 GMT onwards (I'd be in Santa Fe, which is 7 hours behind London). My days of the week are very flexible. Ever grateful for your beautiful brainchildren, Vaishaliiiii!
Haha brainchildren ;-) I love your words Nadia and if you ever write a book I will create a whole book club around it with smoky teas! Times noted! Thank you x
Morning times in US as I start work at 15:30 GMT. So anytime before teatime in U.K (and in fact that would be lovely....monthly tea and discussion with Vaishali and all of you lovelies?). im also off work on weds and thurs and have a lot of flexibility on those days....
Yes yes to book club!!! Have been reading my name is red at breakfast, such a thrilling way to start the day.
(What is teatime in the UK actually?) (could be 11.00am, could be 15.00pm, 16.00pm afternoon teas, or 17.00pm 'tea' as they sometimes call dinner... or supper...) Times noted! thank you x